Mayor Stern briefly thanked all those serving on the City’s 30th
Anniversary Committee and reminded everyone that, as part of this ongoing celebration,
the City will be hosting a formal dinner/dance at the Los Verdes Country Club
on Friday, October 17, at a cost of $70 per person. The theme of the event is
a "Salute to the Land and Sea," and is a tribute to the city’s natural
history and compelling beauty. He noted that anyone who does not receive an
invitation and is interested in attending the gala affair should contact the
City’s direct number at 310-544-5205. He encouraged everyone to attend.

CEREMONIAL MATTERS:

Mayor Stern acknowledged members of Scout Troop 783, including Eagle Scout
Greg Winkler, Darryl Chan, Tommy Mueller, Devon Scherm, Connor Mackin, Gregory
Rivel, Nicholas Levy, Justin Lees, and Christine Rivel and presented each with
a certificate in honor of their participation in a general cleanup project at
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park. On behalf of the City, he extended sincere thanks
to each of the participants for their hard work.

Amy McPeak, a senior at Peninsula High School, made a presentation of her recent
scientific research project examining business trash recycling in the Palos
Verdes area, for which she was awarded second place in the Environmental Science
category in the L.A. County Science Fair as well as an Earthwatch fellowship
study. She thanked those who assisted her, including Lauren Ramezani, of the
RPV City Works Department; her teacher Mr. Startup; and, 7-11, Highridge Car
Wash, and Ralph’s for their participation.

Mayor Stern and the other Council members thanked Ms. McPeak for her articulate
presentation, commended her initiative and creativity, and congratulated her
for her award-winning project.

Jacki Bacharach, Executive Director of the South Bay Council of Governments,
presented the I-405 Arterial Improvements Initiative. She thanked Council members
Clark and McTaggart for serving on the board and bringing this item before Council.
She explained that because the South Bay portion of the I-405 runs through so
many different jurisdictions, no one city had taken the initiative to study
the matter and implement improvements; so the SBCOG, in recognition of this
problem, decided to examine how the freeway operates, how it affects the surrounding
arterials, and how the city streets access the freeway. She indicated the project
received a Caltrans planning grant as well as a consultant who was very well
versed in freeway traffic matters.

Utilizing a PowerPoint presentation she illustrated the study area, which included
the region from Western to La Cienega, and explained that the focus was on six
major areas of concern: congestion along the corridors leading to the freeway,
congestion at critical intersections, access to and from the 405, managing the
trips that go through the South Bay, the narrow roadways in certain locations,
and infrastructure maintenance. The findings showed that by implementing relatively
low-cost changes, such as converting some right-turn lanes into through lanes,
creating dedicated right-turn lanes in certain locations, and widening corridors
and ramps, significant improvements could be realized. She noted that these
improvements impact not only the free flow of traffic but air quality as well.

Ms. Bacharach indicated that SBCOG is continuing to work on bringing attention
to this issue by encouraging member cities affected by the 405 to speak to members
of Caltrans and send letters when funding opportunities present themselves.
She noted that although there is currently a shortage of money to spend on these
types of projects it is not a bad time to be pursuing them because by being
prepared and in line for funding, when the money is available, the projects
will move forward.

RECYCLE DRAWING:

R.S. Hardin was chosen as recycler of the month.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

Staff requested that Item No. 3, the Commercial Refuse and Collection Agreement
with JJK Roll-Offs, Inc. be removed from the Consent Calendar to be reintroduced
at a later date and, secondly, to reposition Item No. 5, the Traffic Monitoring
Services for 2003-2004 School Year: Amendment No. 12 to All City Management
Services Contract, to be considered after Consent Calendar.

In regard to Item No. 5, City Manager Evans explained that the Public Works
Department had some minor changes to make in the form of including some additional
contractors that the City has worked with in the past who were late submitting
their proposals.

Accepted the Quimby parkland dedication fee for Final Parcel Map No. 26692
pursuant to the City’s parkland dedication fee formula in the amount of $41,135.50.

Traffic Monitor Services For 2003-2004 School Year: Amendment No. 12 to
the All City Management Services Contract.

(1) Authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 12 to
the agreement with All City Management Services, Inc. (All City), for an amount
not to exceed $5,745.60 to provide traffic monitoring services at Vista Grande
Elementary School for the 2003-2004 School Year.

2002-2003 Annual Report on the Implementation of the Rancho Palos Verdes
General Plan.

Directed Staff to forward the City’s 2002-2003 Annual Report on the Implementation
of the Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan to the State Governor’s Office of Planning
and Research, and to the Department of Housing and Community Development regarding
the current status of the General Plan and the progress on its implementation
during the 2002-2003 fiscal year.

Award of contracts for on call professional services.

(1) Awarded a three-year contract for on-call professional services to Jon
Cicchetti and Associates, John M. Cruickshank, Inc., Group Delta Consultants,
Willdan and Associates, Inc., Helix Environmental, Inc., Cotton Shires Associates,
Inc., Harris and Associates, Inc., Trans Tech, Inc., GeoSyntec Consultants,
SA Associates, Shirley Bennett, Vandermost Consultants, CBM Consultants, Zeiser
Kling, DMC Engineering, Charles Abbott Associates, Berryman & Henigar, Inc.,
and RBF Consulting; (2) Authorized the expenditure of up to $60,000 with each
of these firms, for the not-to-exceed amount of $25,000 for a single project,
and; (3) Authorized the expenditure of up to $ 275,000 for ‘on-call’ services
for Fiscal Year 2003-04 and the amount included in the adopted budget for FY
2004–2005 and FY 2005–2006.

Award of professional services contracts for engineering services for the
Storm Water Quality Program.

(1) Awarded a three-year contract to Hunter-Kennedy and Associates, Inc., for
engineering services for the Storm Water Quality Program and authorized the
Mayor and the City Clerk to execute contract documents; (2) Awarded a one-year
contract to Kathleen McGowan, P.E., for engineering services for the Storm Water
Quality Program, and authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute contract
documents; and (3) Authorized the expenditure of up to $80,000 for engineering
services for the Storm Water Quality Program for FY 2003-04.

Register of Demands.

ADOPTED RESOL. NO. 2003-76, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING FUNDS
FROM WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID.

Councilman Gardiner requested information regarding the financial status of
the Pony Club, saying the request for additional horses is purportedly being
made to help offset costs and allow more funds for on-site maintenance, but
he finds no substantive financial data in the materials submitted to support
this. He also queried whether there is an existing agreement between Pony Club
and its neighbors regarding the number of horses and expressed concern over
the possibility of an adverse impact being created for those neighbors if there
is any further increase.

Associate Planner Blumenthal responded that staff has no additional financial
information for the Pony Club. He noted that in researching the previous hearings
for the original approval no type of agreement or negotiation between the Pony
Club and its neighbors on the allowable number of horses was found.

Gordon Leon, Portuguese Bend, as co-District Commissioner of the Pony
Club and Chairman of the Equestrian Committee, stated that prior to their conditional
large domestic animal permit application, the Pony Club was required to move
from their previous 30-year location. He noted that in the last two years, they
have undertaken a significant amount of development to accommodate the activities
that occurred at their previous site and have made a number of improvements
such as adding sprinklers for dust control, removing stalls adjacent to one
of the neighbors, putting in plants to screen the site, and installing composting
bins. He indicated that the Pony Club makes every effort to work with their
neighbors and the community as a whole in implementing improvements and coordinating
their activities.

Councilman Gardiner queried how the addition of four horses would offset the
fixed costs of the Pony Club.

Mr. Leon explained that since Pony Club runs a cooperative barn, they try to
keep their costs down to make membership affordable. He indicated their fixed
costs represent things such as gardening and track ring costs and their variable
costs include things such as feed and stall maintenance, which vary on a per
horse basis. He said the revenue generated by increasing the number of horses
would offset some of these costs and allow them to do more in the way of grounds
care and continued improvements to the facility.

Councilman Gardiner explained his dilemma in deciding to generate the increased
revenue by adding more animals, impacting the surrounding residential community,
as opposed to increasing membership fees, which would affect only Pony Club
members.

Mr. Leon responded that membership fees have already been raised three times
in the past year. He noted that there are currently 19 members of the club,
only 3 who live outside the community, and 12 prospective members.

Councilman Clark questioned whether the Pony Club has a business projection
which might include the addition of more horses in the future.

Mr. Leon replied that the number being requested at this time is what Pony
Club management and a number of neighbors believe can be accommodated on the
site, adding he does not believe the club could support more than 21 horses.

Councilmen McTaggart and Gardiner each raised the issue of the composting bins
on the site, saying reports have been received charging that the manure is not
being properly composted, exacerbating the problems of flies and odors.

In response to this concern, Associate Planner Blumenthal indicated that staff
had gone to the site to examine the composting bins and noticed no massive amount
of flies or offensive odors other than what is to be expected standing in direct
proximity to the bins.

Mr. Leon explained that they follow the composting procedure guidelines in
the Equestrian Code.

Councilman Gardiner reiterated that because Pony Club is located in the middle
of a residential area the issue becomes a serious question of the benefits versus
the cumulative impact. He opined that a compelling case had not been made to
increase the number of animals, adding that his concern is the issue of growth
rather than the permit extension and has nothing to do with the merits of the
Pony Club.

Mr. Leon contended that any negative impacts are minor and are mitigated through
procedures already in place, adding that having new stalls and the resulting
new members would increase their monthly income and allow them to do more kinds
of maintenance, making the facility and the neighborhood a better place for
everyone.

Jeanne Smolley, Portuguese Bend, noted that she was on the Equestrian
Committee when Pony Club made their original application requesting to go from
14 to 17 horses, which was agreeable to the residents who participated in the
hearing at that time. She noted that the size of a property is irrelevant in
determining how many horses can be properly accommodated and what impact that
might have on the neighbors, explaining that the impact to residents is determined
by how the horses are kept. She expressed concern over the method of composting
being employed at the site, noting that bins are not an adequate mechanism for
composting manure. She suggested that Council extend Pony Club’s permit but
urged against increasing the number of horses. She commented that Pony Club’s
fees for boarding horses are extremely reasonable in the current market of $280
to $300 a month and suggested they raise their rates rather than bring in additional
animals to offset their costs.

Richard Barra, Portuguese Bend, Vice Chair of the Equestrian Committee
and a neighbor of Pony Club for the last 24-years, entreated Council to approve
their request for a permit extension, approve increasing the number of horses
to 21, and approve a grading permit to improve their facilities. In his position
as a neighbor, he opined that the composting being done at the facility is proper
and has created no negative impact that he is aware of. He mentioned that his
boarding rate, like Pony Club’s, is $250 a month. He voiced strong support for
the changes being proposed and improvements being made at the facility, noting
that Pony Club is a positive influence not only for its members but for the
community and the city as well.

Roxanne Raksnys, Rancho Palos Verdes, one of the head instructors at
the Pony Club, said that she has seen mass improvements at the facility which
are being made to enhance the safety of the horses, the riders, the kids, the
neighbors, and anyone wishing to visit the site, adding that everyone is welcome.
She explained that the purpose of Pony Club is to provide an option for people
who cannot afford to own a horse; to give parents the ability to lease a horse
so their children can know the enjoyment and benefits of riding and horsemanship
without the expense and responsibility of ownership. She encouraged Council
to make it possible for those kids on the waiting list to be able join.

Ashley Mahaffey, Rancho Palos Verdes, a senior member of Pony Club,
indicated that Pony Club is very different from the other equestrian centers
around the community. She stated that the kids coming to the club all have direct
relationships with their horses, they enjoy the facility and spend a great deal
of time there, and they learn much more than simply how to ride a horse. She
commented that it is a community facility with public trails that accommodate
runners and provide scenery for painters. She opined that increasing the number
of horses would not increase traffic in the area but would increase the participation
of those wishing to enjoy the benefits of horsemanship. In conclusion she noted
that everyone at Pony Club does their utmost to provide the highest level of
care possible to the animals and to maintain the facility in a fashion that
benefits the community.

Betty Strauss, Portuguese Bend, stated that she is in favor of Pony
Club, having two daughters who are members. She commended them for the many
things they are doing and for the lovely opportunities they provide children.
That said, she requested Council consider the cumulative impact that the 52
permitted horses already in the area are having on the community. She indicated
this is a residential community where the majority of residents do not own horses.
She described how the number of flies and the odor of manure have on occasion
forced her to change her plans for entertaining in her own backyard. She disagreed
with the opinion that the aggregate number of horses is not the inherent cause
of this negative result, noting that when you have that number of animals within
a very small residential community, it does create problems. She noted that
the number of boarding stables and the larger Pony Club have also brought increased
traffic to the Peninsula. She recommended Council renew Pony Club’s permit to
operate but strongly urged the members to consider what impact the cumulative
number of animals is having on the environment.

Councilman Clark suggested that the new equestrian center the City is contemplating
might help alleviate many of these problems.

Joe Deeble, Portuguese Bend, stated that he hoped the Pony Club’s permit
renewal would be approved but that he would like to see their increased number
go to the new equestrian park. He commended the Pony Club for the great service
they provide to parents and children, noting they help make the community what
it is. He stated that efforts would be well spent to move the equestrian park
along in order to make available to more children the type of program Pony Club
provides.

In response to Councilman McTaggart’s question about his having a problem with
dust and flies, Mr. Deeble responded that his major concern is the amount of
traffic being created by people boarding horses on the Peninsula not the flies
and dust which are to be expected in an equestrian area.

Patty Mahaffey, Rancho Palos Verdes, District Commissioner of the Pony
Club, stated they have tried very hard to improve a property in a very short
period of time to meet the needs of their neighbors. She mentioned that Pony
Club is sympathetic to traffic concerns, adding that many of their members carpool.
She indicated that the increased number of horses being requested is basically
to accommodate people interested in joining, noting that she would love to see
a great equestrian park in RPV but, in the meantime, Pony Club has a 13-acre
facility and many young children wishing to join. She reiterated that Pony Club
provides a lease option to people who cannot afford to participate in the sport
in the traditional fashion by purchasing a horse.

Councilman Gardiner queried whether any of the prospective members would be
bringing their own horses to be kept on the Pony Club property.

Ms. Mahaffey responded there are two who would like to board their horses on
the property.

Mayor pro tem Ferraro clarified that two of the horses would simply be relocated
to the Pony Club site; so two would be coming from Portuguese Bend and would
not increase the cumulative number in the community.

Councilman Clark asked Ms. Mahaffey her reaction to some of her neighbors’
who say they support the club but as nearby residents are concerned about the
cumulative impact of more horses as far as flies, odors, et cetera.

Ms. Mahaffey replied that they are doing a variety of things to improve these
conditions many of which are a function of economics. She indicated they have
hired a gardener to come in weekly to make sure the facility always looks nice;
they have put in plants to shield the area and applied for a grading permit
in order to add sand to the arenas to help alleviate the dust problem; they
would like to build more barns in which to keep the horses to help handle the
flies more efficiently, and they have contacted a service with a method for
eradicating flies using a derivative of the chrysanthemum thereby causing no
harm to the children or the environment. She reiterated that they have tried
to make vast improvements to their site in a very short period of time, which
has been very costly and time consuming. She noted that if permitted they will
continue to make improvements that will make the neighbors happy and provide
a great and safe place for the children to ride.

In response to Councilman Clark’s reiteration of the question of additional
horses being requested in the future, Ms. Mahaffey responded that the facility
and the topography are such that 21 horses is really the optimal number both
in terms of safety for the children and the configuration of the stalls. She
indicated that they are not making this request in order to make a profit but
to provide the best environment possible for all concerned. She said they are
doing everything they can to improve a property that they do not own without
raising their fees, which would create a huge financial disadvantage for some
families, particularly those where siblings are involved. She added they would
be satisfied if Council put a limit on the 21 horses with the proviso that no
more could be added in the future.

Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart, to ADOPT RESOLUTION
NO. 2003-77, APPROVING A TWO-YEAR EXTENSION TO CONDITIONAL LARGE DOMESTIC ANIMAL
PERMIT NO. 5, (CASE NO. ZON2003-00198), WITH NO INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF HORSES
AND TO GRANT A FEE WAIVER FOR A GRADING PERMIT FOR THE PORTUGUESE BEND PONY
CLUB.

Mayor pro tem Ferraro noted that she would rather approve the request for the
additional horses with a review in six months to ascertain whether or not any
problems had occurred.

Councilman Clark mentioned that he would like to see some further improvements
in terms of the environment and that, if those transpire, he would be willing
to revisit the topic of additional horses.

Councilman McTaggart agreed, saying there is no one on the Council who does
not recognize the value of the Pony Club in terms of providing wholesome recreational
activities for the youth in the community.

Councilman Clark proposed amending the motion by adding an opportunity for
the Pony Club to return in six months if they believe they have substantive
evidence of improved conditions warranting Council’s reconsideration of increasing
the 17 horse limit to 21.

Councilman Gardiner indicated he would accept that amendment if the wording
include with the support of the neighbors.

The amended motion carried on the following roll call vote:

AYES: Gardiner, McTaggart, Clark

NOES: Ferraro

ABSTENTION: Stern

Councilman McTaggart voiced concern over a letter alleging illegal dumping
on the Childs’ property and charging that a code enforcement officer was instructed
to ignore the complaint. He indicated that given the serious nature of the allegation,
it should be investigated.

In response City Attorney Lynch assured him that the matter is being investigated.

Lois Larue, Rancho Palos Verdes, brought to Council’s attention that
despite signs on Palos Verdes Drive South saying that the bike roads are closed,
people are continuing to ride their bicycles there. She also reported some cracks
in the road near the benches in Abalone Cove that should be investigated.

Russell Rhodes, Rancho Palos Verdes, a 30-year resident of RPV, spoke
to Council regarding the issue of equal protection of the law as it relates
to view restoration. He complained that the view restoration infrastructure
is based on citizen complaints rather than the City’s providing an investigative
unit to patrol the city, identify obstructed views, and negotiate solutions
for the common good. He indicated he has sent a letter to the City Manager regarding
the fact that both his city lights and ocean views have been obstructed for
many years. He said he voted for the current ordinance and has no problem paying
for trees to be cut but feels the City needs to be proactive in enforcing the
cumulative effect of foliage growth and view impairment.

Councilman Clark explained that when Proposition M was adopted by the voters
in 1989 it was envisioned as a mechanism for residents with view impairment
issues to have those views restored or preserved rather than as a process in
which the City staff would do a sweep of the city to uncover possible view obstructions.
He further explained the two parts of the ordinance are 1) that an individual
can preserve a view based on what it was in November of 1989 by submitting documentary
evidence and that so notified the City would enforce the preservation of that
view; and, 2) an individual has the right to come before the City to seek restoration
of a view if they cannot negotiate a suitable agreement with a neighbor regarding
that view. He indicated that, hopefully, most residents are attempting to balance
the enjoyment of views with the enjoyment of foliage by negotiating among themselves,
adding that when that does not work effectively, the City can step in as a third
party to assist in the negotiation process.

Mr. Rhodes responded that he understands the concept but disagrees with it,
saying the City uses a balancing act rather than valuing the fundamental right
of equal treatment by virtue of the fact that an individual must bring a complaint
before the City for redress rather than the City acting as an enforcement entity
to seek out view infractions and address them.

Mayor Stern indicated that Mr. Rhodes has the same right to pursue remedy under
the ordinance as anyone else, saying it is applied equally to all. He noted
that his understanding of Mr. Rhodes’s position is that the City in essence
go out and foment disputes over issues that the residents involved in do not
necessarily perceive as problems.

Councilman McTaggart pointed out that the law is that City staff cannot go
onto an individual’s property to check for view obstructions or anything else
unless they are invited to do so.

Mayor pro tem Ferraro reiterated that the current ordinance affords Mr. Rhodes
the right to redress regarding his view, saying that a process has been established
that treats everyone equally. She noted that while some residents prefer to
have unobstructed views others choose not to have trees cut that are in front
of them for a variety of reasons, thereby making the issue one between neighbors
and not something the City is in a position to enforce.

Councilman Gardiner indicated that if this is an item of concern it should
make its way onto the agenda so Council members could properly digest the merits
and legal arguments involved.

Mayor Stern thanked Mr. Rhodes for his comments and, taking note of the fact
that he disagrees with the basic philosophy and structure of the ordinance,
encouraged him to invoke it so that he might receive the full benefit of it
as would anyone else in the city seeking remedy of a view obstruction issue.

Scott Gobble, Torrance, announced that as of August 1, 2003, Southern
California Edison’s electric rates have come down for residents and businesses
in RPV. He indicated that those SCE customers who received the highest increases
at the onset of the energy crisis would receive the largest decreases, noting
that those paying $50 to $60 a month will see no change in their rates. He stated
that customers would also receive a one-time rebate. In conclusion he noted
that there is good news on the horizon: rates are coming down; rates have stabilized;
and the power grid has enough power to generate for the state of California.

Charlene O’Neil, Rancho Palos Verdes, rushed to the meeting after viewing
a portion of the televised public hearing on the Pony Club and voiced support
for approval of their requests. She indicated that she and other members of
the Equestrian Committee inspected the entire Pony Club site when their application
first came through. She explained they very carefully examined the staff report
and recommendations, noted that no complaints had been received, no code enforcement
issues had come before them for investigation, and the neighbors attending the
hearing of the matter expressed no opposition. She mentioned that Pony Club
is not a moneymaking venture but instead concerns itself with providing an affordable
opportunity for children interested in riding horses.

CITY COUNCIL ORAL REPORTS:

Mayor pro tem Ferraro commended Holly Starr, Carolynn Petru, and the other
members of the City’s 30th Anniversary Committee for all their diligence
and hard work and for orchestrating a wonderful event, which she very much enjoyed.

Councilman Clark attended the League of California Cities’ Annual Convention
in Sacramento and reported that a constitutional ballot initiative sponsored
by the League which would prohibit State legislators from robbing the coffers
of local cities and counties as they have done in the past is still on track.
He said the issue now is successful campaigning to assure the victory of this
state-wide ballot initiative, adding that the League is estimating it will need
between $8- and $9 million to accomplish that end. He informed Council of the
League’s request for all elected officials who endorse the concept to contribute
to the fund and promote the initiative.

Councilman Clark mentioned that currently the L.A. Division of the League is
attempting to resolve the issue of representation on the City Council in the
Air Quality Management District for the 25 western cities. He noted that a stalemate
has been created for this seat and advised that an ad hoc committee would be
meeting on September 19th to attempt to develop a workable strategy
to resolve this representation issue.

Another item of interest Councilman Clark brought from the League’s annual
conference was a presentation by the City of Santa Ana on neighborhood traffic
plans in which a process has been created by the City working in conjunction
with the residents of pass-through traffic neighborhoods to develop and create
traffic plans for those areas. He indicated this has turned out to be a very
successful endeavor.

He strongly encouraged other Council members to attend the League’s annual
convention next year in Long Beach, saying there are numerous worthwhile seminars
and many excellent exhibits.

Councilman Clark also indicated that he contacted Donald Trump on behalf of
the City to express concern over rumors that the future name of Ocean Trails
would be Trump National at Los Angeles. He indicated this would be a serious
negative for the community and the Peninsula. Mr. Trump has agreed to reconsider.

Councilman McTaggart attended a meeting of the California Contract Cities Liability
Trust Fund Oversight Committee on September 17th where no new cases
were reported. He also attended a meeting of the California Contract Cities
Executive Board on September 17th where a discussion was held on
ways to deal with the Political Action Committee and the way money is donated
to elected officials at the State level. On September 18th he attended
a SCOG meeting regarding protections for housing.

Councilman McTaggart attended the City’s anniversary celebration on September
6th. He participated as an MTA South Bay Governance Council member
at a public hearing on the proposed route changes for Lines 225 and 226. He
mentioned a letter from the El Segundo Employers’ Association concerning cuts
to Routes 625 and 626, which are the shuttle routes that provide transportation
from the Green Line to the aerospace facilities in El Segundo. He noted that,
unfortunately, many other proposed cuts to these vital transit resources are
being considered. He indicated that for the time being a commitment has been
made to keep the 225 and 226 lines open during heavy loading hours and suggested
having PVTA run a shuttle to help get people up the hill from PCH.

On September 10th he attended a meeting of the LAX Noise Round Table
where ongoing talks regarding noise abatement of low-flying aircraft continued.
On September 11th a SCOG Regional Transportation workshop was held
to discuss the regional transportation plan. He also participated in a meeting
of the MTA Sector Governance Council where MTA’s use of electronics to keep
statistics and reduce maintenance and labor costs was presented.

PUBLIC HEARINGS (cont’d.):

Use Of Federal and State funding for supplemental police services – CORE
Police Team.

Mayor Stern opened the public hearing. There being no response to his call
for public testimony, he declared the public hearing closed.

Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem Ferraro, to approve staff
recommendation to the continued use of LLEBG (Local Law Enforcement Block Grant)
and COPS (Citizen Option for Police Services) funds in FY 03-04 to pay for the
CORE Police Team to perform enforcement and crime prevention duties at the schools
and commercial areas in the Region and in the parks and open space areas adjacent
to and south of Crest Road.

The motion carried on the following roll call vote:

AYES: Clark, McTaggart, Gardiner, Ferraro and Mayor Stern

NOES: None

REGULAR BUSINESS:

Award professional services agreements for final plan preparation of the
Point Vicente Interpretive Center Expansion Project.

Mayor pro tem Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilman McTaggart, to approve staff
recommendations to (1) Award a Professional Services Agreement to Ron Yeo Architects,
Inc. in the amount of $16,540 for plan revision, plan check and code update
and authorize the May or and the City Clerk to execute the Agreement; (2) Award
a Professional Services Agreement to Harris and Associates in the amount of
$8,000 for construction and bidding review of the expansion plans and authorize
the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the Agreement; (3) Award a Professional
Services Agreement to Merit Civil Engineering, in the amount of $5,000 for Professional
Engineering Services and authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the
Agreement; (4) Award a Professional Services Agreement to Group Delta Consultants
in the amount of $2,000 for Geotechnical and Geological consulting services
and authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the Agreement; (5) Award
a Professional Services Agreement to The Source Group, Inc., in the amount of
$7,500 for environmental monitoring and consulting services and authorize the
Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the Agreement; and, (6) Award a Professional
Services Agreement to Jon Ciccetti Landscape Architects, in the amount of $3,000
for landscape irrigation consulting services and authorize the Mayor and the
City Clerk to execute the Agreement.

Before the vote was held, Councilman Clark commented that he had been unable
to participate in Council’s previous discussion of the Interpretative Center
and the possible Council chambers and noted that, in their reporting of the
matter, the local papers portrayed the idea as being his; so to clarify things,
he indicated that although he would like to be able to claim credit, he wants
to make it clear that the idea actually came from the City’s Director of Public
Works, Dean Allison, who deserves full recognition for the concept. He also
clarified that all five members of the Council unanimously supported investigating
the alternative.

Mayor pro tem Ferraro moved, seconded by Councilman Clark, to approve staff
recommendation to (1) Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute a contract
for video inspection services of the Storm Drain System with National Plant
Services, Inc., for a not-to-exceed amount of $25,000; and (2) ADOPT RESOL.
NO. 2003-78, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
AMENDING RESOL. NO. 2003-42, THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003-04,
FOR A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO THE CITY’S INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP
FUND). The motion carried without objection.

Councilman Clark inquired whether the position basically memorializes a position
that was held by someone in the department who recently retired.

Director Allison responded that the position is new. He explained that staff
is preparing to take on some very large projects and the position is really
a creative solution which will cost the City significantly less than it would
to hire a consultant.

City Manager Evans indicated that this position is being created now because
staff is hoping to bring recommendations before Council sometime around the
first of the year to reinstate some of the capital projects that have been delayed.

Councilman McTaggart inquired whether the Tarapaca Road situation is being
considered as a landslide abatement matter. He expressed concern that the liability
risk is great and that swift action should be taken.

Director Allison replied that it is being considered and a meeting will be
scheduled to get the County of Los Angeles involved so that a solution can be
reached.

Councilman Gardiner moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem Ferraro, to approve staff
recommendation to (1) Authorize the City Manager to recruit a limited term full-time
employee for a maximum term of 18 months to meet the current staffing needs
in the Public Works Department; (2) ADOPT RESOLUTION 2003-79; A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING RESOLUTION 2003–43,
AND CREATING A SALARY RANGE FOR THE NEW POSITION OF PROJECT MANAGER; and (3)
ADOPT RESOLUTION 2003-80; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES AMENDING RESOLUTION 2003–42, THE BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2003-04, FOR A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO THE CITY’S GENERAL FUND.

The motion carried on the following roll call vote:

AYES: Ferraro, Clark, McTaggart, Gardiner and Mayor Stern

NOES: None

Commission/Committee Appointments.

Councilman Clark moved, seconded by Mayor pro tem Ferraro, to waive the staff
report and to approve staff recommendation to (1) Agree to accept applications
for the various City Commissions and Committees immediately after the November
election and makenew appointments in late December
or early January; and (2) Approve revision to City Council Policy No. 6 to memorialize
the process for accepting applications for Commissions and Committees. Motion
carried without objection.

Recycled water for golf courses.

Councilman Gardiner made a brief presentation of the staff memorandum of September
16, 2003 and recommended that Council consider whether or not to direct staff
to arrange for testimony by experts regarding the safety and advisability of
utilizing reclaimed water in various applications.

Councilman McTaggart stated that the water being used has been certified for
body contact and presents no danger.

Councilman Gardiner said that while he has no reason to doubt this, since conflicting
evidence has been brought to his attention, he would rather hear from experts
on both sides of the issue in order to reach an informed conclusion.

Mayor pro tem Ferraro suggested that Councilman Gardiner take a tour of the
reclamation plant as she did this summer, adding that it is very informative
and answers many questions.

Councilman Gardiner commented that the information coming from the reclamation
plant would necessarily be advocating the use of reclaimed water rather than
presenting an unbiased opinion, noting that the method of operation of the Council
has been when there is a question raised to bring in information from both sides
of the issue so everyone is informed as a group rather than individually.

Councilman Clark indicated that the use of reclaimed water for golf courses
has been a practice that has been used extensively in California for at least
the last 15 years.

Mayor Stern stated that he is not eager to have people coming in to give their
opinions as testimony, saying that if people have materials substantiating a
concern, they should be allowed to present them and if that brings about substantial
credible information on which to conduct a hearing he would be in favor.

Councilman Gardiner said he is in favor of gathering further information and
would be happy with that approach.

City Manager Evans mentioned that staff had done some research on the Internet
in response to this matter and discovered that Redwood City has a panel of experts
they feel have acceptable credentials who assert that reclaimed water is hazardous;
and that Joan Davidson, who brought this to Councilman Gardiner’s attention,
presumably has an expert who would concur. He added that since there is a huge
body of information promoting reclaimed water, it would probably be very difficult
to find additional experts who disagree.

Councilman Gardiner opined the reason for this is the proponents are well funded
by public bodies. He indicated there have been many instances where something
has been introduced into the public arena, which was purportedly safe, and then
years later enormous problems have been discovered. He reiterated his position
that he would rather err on the side of caution by contacting these experts
who purport to have evidence contrary to popular opinion to see if there are
valid scientific studies to support their contentions.

Mayor Stern moved, seconded by Councilman Gardiner, to direct staff to collect
data submitted on reclaimed water for inclusion in a future Administrative Report,
which could then be agendized if so desired by a Council member.